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David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

Charities David Supports

Military Tour Wrap Up by David Archuleta

This week we finished the Military Tribute Tour. We went back to Kuwait for 3 shows, and then did our last show on the tour in Djibouti. It was a bittersweet experience having it come to an end, but it made such an impact on me.

It was interesting to me as this was my first time coming back performing with the title “David Archuleta” and having to embrace that since my mission. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel, but there was a different motivating factor this time, which was that this tour was all about giving tribute to the troops. We flew out to these countries; to these military bases on our own time and without getting paid anything. We came out to get to know them, and express our gratitude for them with what God gave us in our abilities and talents.

I would divide the focuses on this tour into 2 different categories: 1st, Getting to know who these men and women were and 2nd, Getting to know what they do.

Traveling to the different bases in each country gave us a realistic view of what is going on and the work that these troops do. They showed us everything from the aircrafts and vehicles to the loading areas and offices; from the chow halls where they eat to the living quarters— whether they were buildings, CLU’s (containerized living units), or tents. We saw all of the different parts it takes to put it all together, and all of the people it took with different skills.

That’s how flat it was in Kuwait. But yes, those are camels

My favorite part of these tours and staying on these bases was getting to meet these servicemen and women and hear their stories. One of them I met in Camp Patriot in Kuwait. She was a Captain, and had an 11 month-old daughter, but she had been away from her for the last several months. On top of that, her husband was also deployed in another camp in Kuwait, so neither of them are able to be there with their new daughter to watch her grow during these first months of her life. The daughter stayed with grandparents in the meantime.

I was impressed to hear stories similar to this time and time again. A lot of times we have stereotypes for these men and women of what kind of lifestyle they come from, what matters to them, and how normal they really are. I met parents, grandparents, people my age and even younger than me everywhere. They all were far away from family and loved ones, and while they are fulfilling to their amazing duty to serve our country it still is no easy task to be away from family and loved ones in tough circumstances that are not your typical home environment. I jumped at the chance to listen to them, and simply be around them. If there was nothing else I could give to them, at least I could give them my time— there is nothing more valuable to me than that, and so I am glad that I could give even a little bit of time to be with them and get to know who they are and what they do.

At the end of the trip we were able to go to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We did a faith-based meeting (also known as a fireside) with stories and music similar to what we were doing on the tour, only more faith-focused. I really loved getting to do these firesides throughout our trip when time permitted, and to feel the hearts and spirits of these strong-spirited youth in these parts of the world.

A group of the Ethiopian girls who came to the fireside.

After this fireside we went out to an Ethiopian restaurant where they had traditional Ethiopian dancers and an Ethiopian band. It was awesome! A few people in the restaurant recognized me, along with a worker, and the next thing I know the owner comes up to ask if I would sing for everyone there. At first I felt awkward, but in the end I thought “eh, why not?” and got up to sing 2 songs: “Stand By Me” and “Everybody Hurts” which I had been singing during the military tour. It was quite the experience being backed up by an Ethiopian band along with my voice coach, Dean Kaelin who was on the tour with us. Good times!

The bomb suit was a little big on me

It’s been unforgettable. I am taking so many memories with me from these past few weeks. I just want to thank again these men and women in the military for serving and doing what they do. I am so grateful that they took us in and allowed us to experience a little bit of their experiences. It means so much to me, and to everyone on our tour. We appreciate you and your time you shared with us. Military Tribute Tour accomplished!

Visiting the rescue crew in Djibouti

Well that’s a wrap for this blog. Thanks for reading!

David

♥♥♥

David Archuleta is a guest writer for The Voice.

JK, LOL! But thanks for the great article including pics! You can read on his official site here.

jans11said

Glad they got back home safe and sound! Always good hearing from David, but a vlog would have been nice! :) Man, this guy has been around for as young as he is, and I will be super glad when we are scrambling around making plans to go see him! :) Looks as if it might be a Christmas concert…hope…hope…something, anything…and asap! :):) Seeing David live and in person is The Best! :)

Whoopee! I have a new play toy! My Direct TV receiver went out and it was replaced with a “Genie”. And with it hooked up to my wireless server, I can get Youtube and watch all of David on big screen that I want! :) Fun stuff! :)

I am on my cell actually trying to get to sleep but I gave it a shot to get to Unplugged. Would like to have heard a bit of music!! Hi to everyone if you are still up. Hopefully in another week I will be able to find my way there! But I am caught up with the stories!

I know Abs, so I listened to David sing. ‘Bring Him Home’ on YT, repeatedly! Pretty amazing! Special thanks for your Best Wishes! I will be telling him soon about all the people who have sent their thoughts and prayers his way.

bluesky4homesaid

Just having a look late night. What a great bear hug. David seems almost back…what a trip to get there. With all of the mid east trouble, dangers and uncertainties maybe he needed that hug to bring him back. Nothing like security and a peaceful place to live in. The wars there will never end, that is their history.

SB

jans11said

OMGosh!!!! just loving all the good videos and my favorite part was when David waved the background music away! He can do it himself! :) Love this kid and his music so much! Don’t care what he wears, how he eats, what his religion is….I just love him and his voice! He is the cat’s meow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( That has been running through my head the last few days, I just had to say it! :) )

Every time I hear Crush it always brings back 6 yrs ago and this time was no different! It is so special, just like David!

I agree, SB, I think David’s trip was eye opening for us all, and it may make it easier for David to make his transition. Being home with security and peace. It is really bad that those countries that are at war can’t make peace, their history of war makes it bad for the whole world.

jans11said

I read where Dan Clark is a writer contributor for the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. I looked his name up in the one I have and this is what it says: ” Dan Clark is the international ambassador of the “The Art of Being Alive.” He has spoken to over 2 million people worldwide. Dan is an actor, songwriter, recording artist, video producer and award winning athlete. He is the well-known author of seven books including “Getting High-How to Really Do It”, “One Minute Messages”, “The Art of Being Alive” and “Puppies for Sale and Other Inspirational Tales”. He can be reached at P.O. Box 8689, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 or by calling 801-485-5755.

I knew he was a motivational speaker, and it was interesting to read about what other things he does.

The book I have is :Chicken Soup for the Country Soul” dated 1998, so the address and phone number may be changed.

He must have done his laundry very quickly – military tour shirt + Cook concert shorts. Is there any pix that’s a longer shot? I want to see whether he is wearing those socks again. I am kinda getting used to that look. haha!
That’s a very thick slice of bread.
Sorry, I am shallow and have nothing profound to say. LOL

djafansaid

bebereadersaid

It’s French Toast made with thick slices of bread. It’s a popular breakfast here in the states. And it’s delish, although I’ve never had it with ice cream. Nor have I seen it sold on a truck. #NYisdeprived
If you need a recipe let us know.

MTsaid

Fen,
I had to LOL at this: “Sorry, I am shallow and have nothing profound to say. LOL”

hahaha That’s why I rarely comment. Personally, I want to unbutton that top button and burn the postman socks. :D
(Yes, I am terribly old fashioned. I just can’t get used to that look.)

But other than the socks (if he’s wearing them in that pic) he looks great! And did you notice that Jazzy has the same crinkly-nosed smile as David? I’m thinking they are BOTH foodies cuz they sure look happy eating that sweet treat. Big Smiles. :D They are both so cute!

PS The haircut. No comment LOL because long hair or short hair, he’s still such a cutie.

bluesky4homesaid

There is a fad here in UT. Food trucks that deliver gourmet food instead of greasy snacks. Some good friends of mine spent part of their anniversary doing a kind of “progressive dinner”, by following several of these trucks in turn and sampling their wares. They had a blast.

Who knew!?

Dear DA:

Your (apparent) attempt to disguise yourself as Mr. Rogers is doomed to failure. Whether this is an effort to ward off all but the most determined females or simply to confuse newbies who might otherwise put you in the same category as The Beebs, there are several major flaws in your logic:

1. Mr. R only had imaginary friends
2. Dear Mr. R knew only a short list of songs
3. Although like you, he began his career singing to his pets….well, let’s just say he sort of hit a plateau.
4. Believe me – if you ever produced a singing invitation that pled with one and all to become your neighbor, real estate prices in the state of Utah would make history. Quickly.

My advice is to wear a wig. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, however all you are accomplishing at this point is to make yourself easier to find.

Yeah, poor thing. Might not have been the wisest thing to do but she’s only 18 so I wish her luck.

Dang! I missed the French Toast Truck again this morning! Heard the bell ringing on the street and made a mad dash for my wallet and shoes but it pulled away. I chased it for a while and then cried all the way home.

Kind of not in Utah. :(

bebereadersaid

We have lots of food trucks here in NY but none that I know of that sells French Toast. :( Mostly tacos, pizza, sea food, hot dogs, bbq, various gourmet delicacies and ice cream. But I did a little research (he he) and found there’s a similar truck stationed in Central Park (about an hour from here) called “Wafels & Dinges”. Who knew?

“Wafel and Dinges is a must on every foodies bucket list. They sell authentic Belgian, Brussels and Liege waffles all with a variety of textures and consistencies. To compliment the warm decadent waffles the provide a wide range of “dinges” or toppings from belgium chocolate syrup to bananas and whipped cream! If sweets aren’t your style their menu offers great savory options as well!” http://roaminghunger.com/wafels-dinges

Maybe The Matterhorn is exclusive to Utah?

Food trucks have been around a long time but my favorite one is no longer in business. It’s called The Chow Chow Cup and I lived on it in college. Fast food before fast food was ever invented, they sold chicken chow mein in cups made from the hard Chinese noodles. Hot dog egg rolls too. Oh don’t get me started. LOL